Jadon Sancho scored the lone goal for United to keep winless Leicester at the bottom of the Premier League table. Erik ten Hag’s team entered the game coming off victories against Liverpool and Southampton in the Premier League. But for the third straight game, neither captain Harry Maguire nor Cristiano Ronaldo were included in the starting lineup.
Match Review
Struggling Leicester were beaten by United, who had little issue securing one of their easiest away victories of the year. United quickly counterattacked against Leicester midway through the first half. Marcus Rashford sent the ball past the Leicester defense to Sancho, who first rounded goalkeeper Danny Ward and then finished the move by rolling the ball into an empty net. The home team struggled to create chances, although James Maddison came close for Leicester with a wonderful free kick that forced a fantastic save from David de Gea of United.
Ten Hag substituted summer signing Casemiro for Anthony Elanga just before the hour mark, as Leicester sought an equalizer. Sancho was replaced by Ronaldo shortly after, and he immediately looked energetic. He set up Rashford for a chance in the 82nd minute. Then blasted an overhead kick beyond Ward’s far post minutes later. Leicester fullback James Justin, missed a late opportunity to tie the score by shooting high and wide from a favorable right-side position.
Team Analysis
Eric ten Hag has fired up the team to be committed to the cause with 3 wins in 3 games. He seems to have determined which players he can rely on to move the squad forward in the near future. Without Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire, he selected an identical lineup, and it worked this time. There are currently new heroes. The armband is worn by Bruno Fernandes. On the left, Lisandro Martinez is occupying Maguire’s position. Martinez thanks to his aggressive style, quickly forged a bond with Tyrell Malacia, who was playing outside of him and was just as tough.
The passion of the team could be seen in the second half, when Diogo Dalot blocked a corner from Harvey Barnes. Scott McTominay was a commanding presence in the middle of the field, and there are encouraging signs for the future. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Fernandes all contributed greatly to the moment of quality that decided the match.
What Next for United?
The additions of Antony and Casemiro would have the manager pleased. The fear was that the signings would be forced to understand the system. Now that they are in a stronger position, they can be played. Manchester United host Arsenal in their next game on Super Sunday.
